Husband yells before he listens

Let me start by saying that my husband is a great guy but he is a very selfish person which I think may lead him into getting mad about things so easily. It could even be as simple as picking up something and if it’s an inconvenience for him, he’ll get very short with me and you can hear his voice change and I know he’s mad, I ask what is wrong and he gets very irritated with me. He’ll start fighting with me and yelling over the stupidest things, like asking him what is wrong. He claims that I’m always starting stuff and playing games but I honestly am not doing that. I just want him to be happy and our lives to be turbulance free. He always feels bad later on, we’ll talk and feel like I got through to him but then a week later, it’ll happen again. I guess I’m feeling very disrespected by him and starting to resent him for the way he treats me.

A: I have to believe that there is more to your husband than this behavior or you wouldn’t be describing him as a “great guy.” From what you shared, he sounds like a man who has you walking on eggshells lest you set him off. He is making you responsible for his immature behavior. But the fact is, you don’t have control of his temper. He does. Apologies are worth the paper they’re written on if they don’t lead to change. It makes sense to me that you are feeling disrespected and resentful. After 100 conversations about the same thing, it’s hard to be up for conversation #101.

The only behavior you can change is your own. If you yell back, cry, defend yourself, or challenge him, it will only keep the argument going. Here’s what you can do to try to break the pattern between you:

During one of your talks, explain how much you hate the fights. Explain that you understand that you have a share in it and that you want to change that. Then tell him that when he yells or gets mad, you will just say something like “I understand that you are upset but I can’t hear when someone yells at me. Let’s take a time out until you get back in control.” Tell him you will then stop talking and will wait patiently or go to another part of the house until he calms down.

When you try this, it’s important that you say and do it calmly and kindly. No sighs. No eye-rolling. No angry looks. It’s just a simple statement of fact. As soon as he calms down, let him know you are pleased and see if you can talk through the problem of the moment rationally. If he gets angry again, just repeat your lines.

Hopefully, this system will help you find a more respectful and loving way to deal with stress and disagreements.

I wish you well.
Dr. Marie

Last reviewed: By Psych Central Staff on 16 Jul 2010

About Dr. Marie Hartwell-Walker

Dr. Marie is licensed as both a psychologist and marriage and family counselor. She specializes in couples and family therapy and parent education. Check out her website at ParentAdvisor.net, follow her on Facebook or Twitter.